Discover Crots: Abbey, Forest and Lake

Crots can be explored through two questions: Which landscape experiences suit your travel plans, and which historical theme would you like to explore further? The range extends from peaceful walks and an easy circular hike to Nordic winter sports and water sports on the lake. If you are looking for a hotel in Crots, you can start by choosing the places and activities you want to shape your stay. This puts the focus not on a single attraction, but on the combination of nature, architectural history and activities across different seasons.

Architectural History and Historic Sites

The Abbaye de Boscodon is a remarkable monument dating from the 12th century. It was the most important house of the monastic Order of Chalais in the region, bringing together a clearly defined period and the history of a religious order in one building. The Église Saint-Laurent in the village of Crots also offers its own architectural feature: its bell tower shows Lombard influence. Tours of the Château de Picomtal introduce its thousand-year history, remarkable architecture and richly decorated interiors. Its architectural history includes a keep dating from the 12th century and a square castle built with four towers in the 14th century. These details reveal the château’s different building phases.

Another historical landmark points to a specific date: the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Lauzerot was built in 1873 and was once an important pilgrimage site. Its year of construction and its former importance as a pilgrimage destination provide two different points of reference for understanding its history.

Forest and Trails

The Forêt de Boscodon holds the Forêt d’Exception® designation and is considered a natural area for hiking and peaceful walks. At Lac du Lauzerot, there is a very easy 2.4-kilometre circular hike that takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes. This duration is an estimate and depends on conditions. The two options therefore differ clearly when planning an outing: the lakeside route has a stated distance and approximate duration, while the Forêt de Boscodon is described as an area for hiking and quiet walks.

Winter Sports and Activities on the Lake

The La Draye Nordic area lies in the highlands of Crots and Baratier. It offers 14 kilometres of trails for classic cross-country skiing and skating, as well as five snowshoeing circuits totalling 20 kilometres. There are also two fat-bike circuits totalling 8 kilometres, two dog-sledding circuits and a toboggan run for children. The options range from ski trails and circuits to other winter activities; the stated total distances apply to the snowshoeing and fat-bike circuits respectively.

Plage des Eaux Douces in Crots is a popular spot for kitesurfers and other wind-powered water sports. On summer afternoons, thermal winds shape conditions on the lake. Plage de Chanterenne offers a different experience: its shallow water lets even small children cool off in a calm setting. A route leads through the pine forest of Chanterenne to a footbridge over the Boscodon stream and continues to Plage des Eaux Douces. The two beaches can therefore be distinguished by the different features described, rather than being presented as having the same focus.

Visitor Information

Admission to the abbey church and the Chapelle Saint-Firmin at the Abbaye de Boscodon is free. As visiting arrangements may change seasonally, check current access options before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Vallouise, Chabottes, Barret-sur-Méouge, Embrun, Aiguilles, Cervières, Réotier, Saint-Bonnet-En-Champsaur.

For the main travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.